It’s been almost two weeks since I woke up, I’m still assimilating this new version of Tokyo. While so much has changed, it still feels pretty much like the same Tokyo as before the lines between this world and the digital got completely blurred.
I have recovered fairly quickly, all things considered. But I also wasn’t in a coma as long as some other victims of EDEN syndrome. - Poor Yuugo still has plenty of trouble doing basic stuff like waking or even standing. Thankfully Yuuko, Nokia and Arata have been tireless when it comes to helping him.
Nokia told me the four of them spent countless hours looking over me during the week it took for me to wake up. Maybe their energy was one of the key factors that allowed me to wake up. That, and, of course, Alphamon standing beside me trying to talk me out of it the whole time. I must admit I miss Alphamon a lot. To the point I now find myself pouring mayo in my coffee…
I also miss Kyoko quite a lot. I know this sounds strange considering the only Kyoko I knew was the body inhabited by Alphamon, but… I’m sure Alphamon kept using some streaks of her personality to keep in line with the Kyoko people knew. I’d like to know more about her.
Apparently, the real Kyoko is nowhere to be found. Nokia said they tried but couldn’t find her, but her agency is there. I haven’t had the courage to go look for her myself yet. Even if I found her I have no idea what I’d say to her. – “Hi, you probably don’t know me but I’ve been your assistant for the last few months, and you even saved my butt a handful of times.” – Sounds insane right?
The doctors advised me to stay active to regain muscle strength, so I’ve been taking walks regularly. Today decided to walk to Shinjuku, no reason in particular, I just felt drawn to it. My stamina isn’t the best yet so I decided to stop for coffee and a quick rest before heading back.
As I sat and squeezed some mayo into my cup I took in the surrounding view. I must admit it was kind of jarring looking at the very same crosswalks where I once woke up half digitized. Now looking so normal, so free from strange phenomena. Looking back, I’m sure it was very strange for everyone around me to see a pixelated girl just show up in the middle of the street. I can’t imagine what would’ve happened if it wasn’t for Kyoko…
Just as this thought finished crossing my mind, some dude that looked suspiciously like Jimmy Ken bolted past me, followed by a voice yelling - “Grab him!” – I jolted up, but my body still feels strangely heavy, and the man got away.
When I turned back, there she was, in all her glory. Or, rather, slouched over panting… Guess even a skilled detective feels the consequences of EDEN syndrome. I just froze.
“Damn, he got away… Oh! Sorry! I’m not sketchy. I’m Kyoko Kuremi. A detective.” – She proceeded to explain, in between gasps for air.
She didn’t need to though, I’d recognize her anywhere. But even if I wanted to say that, I couldn’t. The words got stuck in my throat as I felt every muscle in my body tense up from shock.
Now standing upright, in her so characteristic grace she proceeded. – “I was sick for a while… My instincts are rusty…” – Then… she glanced at my cup resting on the sidewalk.
“You have an odd way of drinking…” – I wanted to tell her it was her fault, but I still couldn't speak. – “Well, to each his own. It might be really good. I’ll try it if I get the chance.”
Poor Kyoko. Unless Alphamon reprogramed her tastebuds before leaving her body, she was in for a wild, somewhat unpleasant and strange ride.
“Pardon me. I’ll be on my way.” – She said then turned away.
My heart sank. There was so much I wanted to tell her and yet… I couldn’t even muster up the strength to speak a single word. At least I know she’s ok and working doing what she loves. Just as I was about to turn back to my coffee she stopped and turned right back to me.
“I hope this doesn’t seem rude but… Have we met somewhere before? I feel like I’ve forgotten something… Something important…”
I froze again, don’t know if it was knowing that our bond transcended time and space or hearing that, I, the thing she forgot, was important. We both fell silent for a few seconds before she added.
“I’m actually looking for an assistant right now. Would you think about working with me?”
I didn’t need to think. Working with her again was exactly what I wanted. I smiled and it seems like that was a good enough answer for her.
“My agency is on the first floor of Nakano Brodway. Meet me there if you decide to accept. I’ll be waiting.”
Finally, the tension in my vocal chords released as I was finally able to speak out.
“I will!”